CA has to review pay saga: Ian Chappell

Ian Chappell was left pondering the same questions on the minds of millions of Australian cricket fans on Friday: why wasn't a pay deal signed a long time ago and who is accountable?

Chappell, a central figure 40 years ago in the World Series Cricket revolution, is happy to see the end of the saga but disappointed the sport has been dragged through so much mud for so little gain.

Cricket Australia (CA) and the players' union signed a five-year deal on Thursday worth about $500 million. Most industry insiders sense a similar agreement could have been achieved much quicker and with far less spite.

James Sutherland, appointed CA's chief executive in 2001, has overseen plenty of tense pay talks in his tenure but none has been anywhere near as unedifying as the recent spat.

CA and the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) feel the other side is entirely to blame.

ACA president Greg Dyer noted "we can't let this happen again", while Sutherland indicated on Thursday his organisation would soon review where it all went wrong.

"I would have thought they'd have to. Because obviously, it hasn't done the game any good," former skipper Chappell told AAP.

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"It's good news to have it done but the first thought is why didn't it happen before June 30? Why wasn't it done long ago before it alienated a lot of people?

"You figure the reason is a lack of respect from both sides."

The in-principle resolution was rubber-stamped on Friday, when cricketers around the country voted in favour of it. New contracts have already been signed by some players.

The Test squad will assemble next week in Darwin for a training camp before flying out for a two-Test tour of Bangladesh. Selectors will announce the 14th member of the party next week, with Jackson Bird considered the frontrunner.